Flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Saudi Arabia after captain was injured and aircraft entered a rapid descent
Passengers and crew members helped subdue a co-pilot after a violent cockpit incident aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, according to Reuters and passenger accounts.
Captain injured during flight
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Sept. 30 with more than 170 passengers when a confrontation broke out inside the cockpit. Reuters reported that the co-pilot attacked and stabbed the captain, who was seriously injured.
The aircraft then descended rapidly. The captain was able to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to enter and restrain the co-pilot.
Reserve pilots took control
Two qualified pilots who were traveling aboard the aircraft as part of a reserve crew reportedly took control of the plane. The flight diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
The passengers later continued their trip to Israel aboard another aircraft. No passengers were reported injured.
Motive remains under investigation
Authorities had not publicly established a motive as of Wednesday night. Flydubai urged caution about drawing conclusions while the incident is investigated.
The episode drew immediate attention in Israel because of the severity of the cockpit attack and the aircraft’s sudden descent. Israeli officials praised the passengers and crew members who intervened.
Source: Reuters, Sept. 30, 2026.
